<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/41826/dsc00318.jpg"></center><p>I decided to change the temp sender last night.

It is easy to get to once you have moved the inlet pipe - maf to Y pipe, then the vacuum hose from the inlet can adjuster.

I tried to prise the retaining clip out with a screwdriver, thinking it was metal, and it just snapped in half. The plastic seems to have gone brittle.

I ended up using nylon zip ties to hold the sender in so I could use the car today. My wife works on thusdays so I could not take hers so it was just luck that it would hold.

I think that the best advice to anyone who is about to change the temp sender is to get a spare clip and O ring when the buy the sender because I not normally clumsy with things like this so it easy to break.

Just about to head off to the local dealer to get the new clip now.

They recommend ordering the clip as well because they say that most people snap the clips when they remove the temp sensor.

BTW, ECS list the coolant temperature sensor at $5.95. Clair Parts quoted me $37. Something is fishy there.

All in all, $14.xx including shipping from ECS<ul><li><a href="http://www.ecstuning.com">ECStuning.com</a></li></ul>

Seeing as how you have a '99, Clair Parts may have assumed the early model '99. I ordered the green sensor from ecstuning only to find it would not replace the temp. sensor at the rear of the engine in my early model '99. It was blue with a square connector and cost $35 from the dealer. The green model from ecs was however a good fit for the temp sensor coming off the lower radiator hose.

Ok, I'll swing by Clair and pick it up. Thanks for the info.

I knew that price discrepency was too great to be for real.

Part number: N90316802 Coolant Flange Seal $0.94
Part number: 059919501A Water Temp Sensor 4 Pin $3.86
Part number: 032121142 CLIP $0.31

Shipping and Handling Ground $5.69

** GRAND TOTAL: $10.80

this part is £20. The clip was £0.49 from the dealer.